Improvements in education in pathology: virtual 3D specimens.

Virtual three-dimensional (3D) specimens correspond to 3D visualizations of real pathological specimens on a computer display. We describe a simple method for the digitalization of such specimens from high-quality digital images. The images were taken during a whole rotation of a specimen, and merged together into a JPEG2000 multi-document file. The files were made available in the internet (http://patho.med.uni-magdeburg.de/research.shtml) and obtained very positive ratings by medical students. Virtual 3D specimens expand the application of digital techniques in pathology, and will contribute significantly to the successful introduction of knowledge databases and electronic learning platforms.